Mary Berry Cherry Clafoutis Recipe

This Mary Berry Cherry Clafoutis is a rustic French dessert featuring fresh cherries baked in a light, custard-like batter. It’s simple to prepare yet delivers a beautifully elegant result—perfect for summer gatherings or a relaxed weeknight treat. With its golden top, soft center, and juicy bursts of fruit, this dish is best served warm with a dusting of icing sugar or a dollop of cream.

What is Mary Berry Cherry Clafoutis?

Mary Berry’s version of cherry clafoutis is a classic take on the French dessert. It combines pitted cherries with a smooth, slightly sweet batter that bakes up firm around the edges and tender in the middle. The dish is typically made in a shallow dish and served directly from the oven with minimal fuss.

Other Mary Berry Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Cherry Muffins
• Mary Berry Cherry Scones
• Mary Berry Cherry Jam

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Quick and simple preparation – No fancy tools or complicated techniques
• Seasonal and fresh – Best made when cherries are at their peak
• Elegant yet humble – Perfect for both casual and formal occasions
• Delicate custard texture – Light but satisfying
• A great make-ahead dessert – Serve warm or at room temperature
• Impressive presentation – Looks beautiful with minimal effort

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Cherry Clafoutis

• 300g fresh cherries, pitted
• 3 large eggs
• 125g plain flour
• 100g caster sugar
• 300ml whole milk
• 50ml double cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing)
• Icing sugar, for dusting

Ingredient Notes:

• Cherries: Use fresh and firm cherries, pitted for ease of eating
• Milk and cream: Provide richness without being too heavy
• Vanilla: Brings out the flavor of the custard
• Flour: Forms the base structure for the batter

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Sieve
• Baking dish (about 9 inches)
• Oven
• Spatula or spoon

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Cherry Clafoutis

Step 1: Preheat and prepare the dish

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
• Grease a round baking dish with butter.

Step 2: Arrange the cherries

• Spread the pitted cherries evenly across the bottom of the greased dish.

Step 3: Make the batter

• In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until slightly frothy.
• Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
• Slowly pour in the milk, then the cream and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.

Step 4: Combine and bake

• Pour the batter gently over the cherries in the baking dish.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until golden and set in the center.

Step 5: Cool and serve

• Let it cool slightly. Dust with icing sugar and serve warm or at room temperature.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Cherry Clafoutis

• Fresh whipped cream – Adds richness and softness
• Vanilla ice cream – Melts into the warm clafoutis beautifully
• Greek yogurt – Offers a slight tang to balance sweetness
• Sliced almonds – For added texture and nuttiness
• Cherry compote – Enhances the fruit flavor
• Powdered sugar dusting – Adds a touch of elegance
• Mint leaves – Provide freshness and color contrast

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Cherry Clafoutis

• Use ripe cherries – The flavor is sweeter and more pronounced
• Don’t overbake – The center should be just set and slightly jiggly
• Pit the cherries carefully – Ensure no stones remain
• Rest before serving – Allow 10–15 minutes to set after baking
• Adjust sweetness if cherries are tart – Add an extra spoonful of sugar if needed
• Use a ceramic dish – Ensures even baking and classic presentation
• Add a splash of kirsch – For a traditional French touch (optional)

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Cherry Clafoutis

• Use other fruits – Try plums, blueberries, or apricots
• Add citrus zest – Lemon or orange zest brightens the custard
• Try almond extract – Pairs wonderfully with cherries
• Make it gluten-free – Use almond flour or a GF blend
• Mini versions – Bake in ramekins for individual servings
• Top with sliced almonds before baking – Adds crunch and flavor

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Cherry Clafoutis

• Refrigerate leftovers – Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Cool completely before storing – Prevents condensation
• Cover with foil or wrap – Helps preserve moisture
• Don’t freeze with fresh cherries – The Texture will change on thawing

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Cherry Clafoutis

• Oven method: Warm at 160°C (320°F) for 10–12 minutes
• Microwave method: Heat single servings for 30–45 seconds
• Room temperature: Let it sit out for 15–20 minutes before serving if chilled
• Avoid over-heating – It can make the custard rubbery

How Can I Make Mary Berry Cherry Clafoutis Healthier?

• Use low-fat milk – Reduces calorie count slightly
• Swap sugar for honey or maple syrup – For a more natural sweetness
• Reduce portion size – Still satisfying in smaller slices
• Use whole wheat flour – Adds fiber and nutrients
• Skip the dusting sugar – Save extra sweetness for special occasions

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 240
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Sugar: 20g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Sodium: 60mg

FAQs

Do I need to pit the cherries for cherry clafoutis?

Yes, it’s best to pit the cherries before baking to make the dessert easier to eat. Although traditional clafoutis includes whole cherries, removing the pits improves the texture and safety.

How do I know when cherry clafoutis is fully baked?

The clafoutis is done when the top is golden brown and the center is just set. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean, with slight moistness.

Can I use frozen cherries for Mary Berry’s clafoutis recipe?

Yes, frozen cherries can be used. Thaw them first and drain excess liquid to prevent the batter from becoming watery.

Should cherry clafoutis be served warm or cold?

It’s traditionally served warm, but it also tastes great at room temperature. Dust with icing sugar just before serving for a perfect finish.

Final Words

This Mary Berry Cherry Clafoutis brings together seasonal fruit and a delicate batter in a dessert that’s as comforting as it is refined. Whether you’re enjoying it with friends over tea or serving it after dinner, it’s a dish that always impresses with its simplicity and charm.

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